Arrest in Sitapur
Police in Sitapur have apprehended a married couple accused of bilking approximately ₹27 lakh by pretending to be a Punjab National Bank manager and an Income Tax Department inspector. The duo, identified as Rohit Bajpai and his wife Annu Bajpai (also known as Chandra), hail from Kannauj.
How the Ruse Unfolded
Investigators say the pair scouted the neighbourhood in May before moving into a house in Prem Nagar on 31 August. Rohit introduced himself as the manager of the PNB branch in Mishrikh, while Annu claimed to be an Income Tax officer, both brandishing forged identity cards to lend credibility to their story.
Victims and the Money Trail
The first victim, Ramnaresh Jaiswal, was convinced to part with ₹20 lakh after being promised auctioned gold at a steep discount. He was later persuaded to hand over an extra ₹2 lakh for a supposed exchange of damaged currency notes. Other victims included Premlata Bajpai, who lost ₹1 lakh, and laundry proprietor Atul, who was swindled out of ₹4 lakh.
Escape Route and Asset Seizure
After executing the frauds, the couple fled by car on 14 September, hopping between vehicles and traversing Agra, Kota, Betul and Chennai in an attempt to evade capture. Authorities recovered ₹14 lakh in cash, jewellery valued at roughly ₹6 lakh, four mobile phones and several fake identification documents. Two of the phones alone were appraised at about ₹50,000.
Investigation Findings
Superintendent of Police Ankur Agrawal disclosed that during interrogation the duo admitted to conducting similar scams since 2005. Their pattern involved traveling across states, establishing contact with unsuspecting victims under false pretences, and disappearing once the money was secured.
Reward for Information
The police team that dismantled the operation has been offered a reward of ₹25,000 for their diligent work.
